Police have arrested three juveniles for the killing of 31 Channel catfish raised by students at a high school in Woodland, California.
The dead catfish were discovered by a student at Woodland High School on Sunday morning. The protective netting covering the four above-ground cement tanks had been removed and liquid herbicide had been poured into the water.
Some of the fish had been taken from the tanks and mutilated using a hammer, while another had been stabbed using an unknown object. All the remaining fish had been poisoned by the herbicide in the water.
The fish were being raised by students for a Future Farmers of America project and were due to be shown at the Yolo County Fair this week, before being sold at the fair's Junior Livestock Auction.
On Monday police arrested three juveniles aged 14, 12 and 11. They were cited for cruelty to animals, burglary, and conspiracy, and released to their parents. All three are Woodland residents.
The case is still under investigation by the Woodland Police Department which is is urging anyone with any additional information to get in touch on 666-2411 or 661-7800. Callers can remain anonymous.
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